SIX RED FLAGS WHEN BOOKING A SUPPLIER by Monica Cutler
Lately, I have been observing quite a few engagements popping up on social media and since it’s this exciting time of the year, I thought to share something I believe to be incredibly important to know for newly engaged couples.
Following my Facebook Live interview with Monica Cutler – I remembered that she’s worked with industry experts on a guide for wedding planning couples and came up with “Six red flags when booking a supplier” which she’s agreed for me to share with you.
If you would like to find out what to look out for when booking wedding suppliers, you’ll need to check out the next six paragraphs.
ONLY OFFERING PAYPAL PAYMENT AS FRIENDS AND FAMILY
PayPal buyer protection is not as iron-clad as it used to be. If you send a supplier money using the f&f feature you will not be covered.
Excuses to look out for: "It will take X days to clear. If you want it before a certain date you would be better off paying f&f."
Remember that Credit Card payments may give you additional protection – would you normally pay using credit card for wedding services? Chatbox message me if you’d like to find out more.
NO WRITTEN CONTRACT
Even if it's a friend, family member or someone you've known for years. Getting an agreement down in writing saves so much trouble and shows empathy for your future self. Get a contract and ensure there's a copy for supplier and couple.
A contract doesn't have to be complicated or full of jargon, but it should include the service you're paying for, exact payment terms, and a refund and cancellation policy.
Have you received a contract for all your wedding services? Chatbox message me if this is something, you’d need help with.
STOLEN IMAGES
Reverse search images to check if they're from other companies.
Most wedding professionals are comfortable using some stock imagery as fillers on their site but would never claim them as their own product. This is completely different to one wedding supplier stealing images from another and claiming them as their own.
Would you be able to identify this? Let me know in the comment boxes below.
ONLY ONE METHOD OF CONTACT
There are many successful wedding businesses who only operate on social media, without a website.
But you should have multiple contact details, such as an email address, mobile number, postal
address. If you can only get in touch via Facebook messenger back away. If they don't have a physical postal address ask them why. This address should match any accounts you pay.
Is this something you have given thought to before? Let me know your thoughts in the comment boxes below.
MULTIPLE NEGATIVE AND SPECIFIC REVIEWS
If there are a small number of poor reviews ask your supplier about them. It could have been a challenging circumstance where they might have a completely sensible response to.
If they did upset a client ask how they used the experience to move forward. No
business gets it perfect 100% of the time so always compare with their positive reviews and check the dates for their most recent customers.
Do you normally check supplier reviews before booking? Give me YES in the comment boxes below if you do.
CHEAP PRICING
